Updated: 2025
The 4th Fest Parade Chair and the City of Racine Police Chief control the parade. Designated Parade Marshals and the Racine Police Department enforce all rules and regulations.
The 4th Fest Parade Chair has the final authority to interpret and enforce these rules.
No Campaigning: Political campaigning and entries of a controversial nature are prohibited. Only elected, incumbent officials (and their immediate family) whose constituents are Racine County residents can participate.
No Handouts: For safety reasons, nothing may be thrown or passed out from parade entries. This includes pamphlets, flyers, and candy. Any actions that encourage spectators to enter the street are strictly forbidden. Items intended for distribution will be confiscated and can be retrieved at the end of the parade.
Family-Friendly Environment: Offensive language, song lyrics, clothing, or gestures will not be tolerated. This is a family event. Any violation will result in the immediate removal of the entire entry.
No Drugs or Alcohol: The use or possession of drugs and alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited before and during the parade, including in the parade staging area. Any participant found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be immediately ejected from the parade.
Commercial Entries: Must include a float or have significant entertainment value.
Decoration Standards: All entries must be properly decorated. ○ See Decoration Policy
Safety on Floats: Participants must stay entirely on the float at all times. No limbs should be hanging off . Do not dismount or board while in motion.
Age Restriction: Participants under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Keep Moving: Unauthorized stops are not allowed. Performances by marching bands, dance teams, etc., are only permitted if requested by a parade marshal. Violators may be removed.
Live Animals: Entries with live animals must provide their own feces removal.
No Controversial Entries: Groups or individuals that may be perceived as controversial, including but not limited to any representation that could be viewed as politically or socially charged, are not permitted to participate. This is to ensure the parade remains a family-friendly event and avoids any potential conflicts or discomfort among spectators and participants.
No Bicycles: No bicycles of any type will be allowed on the parade route. This includes all entries and spectators.
Definitions:
Float: This is considered the main entry for the parade. This may be towed or self propelled.
Tow Vehicle: Vehicle used to assist a non self propelled float down the parade route.
Support Vehicle: Vehicle used to follow a float or walking entry used to carry supplies and first aid equipment for the use of that entry.
Campaigning: An organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a group. Any entry caught using campaign material after inspection will be subject to immediate removal from the parade.
Handouts:
